Housework Hero Husbands Have Less Sex

You might think that domestically inclined husbands would score major points for all their help around the house, but according to the February 2013 issue of the American Sociological Review, you'd be mistaken. The study examined 4,500 couples and found that chore-champion hubbies actually have sex less often than those who steer clear of the apron and gloves. The debate over how gender roles affect the quality of a marriage is a hot one—there's ample research proving that egalitarian marriages are more successful, but others argue that more traditional gender behavior results in a superior partnership. Either way, evidence from this particular study shows that men who don't often chip in to the chore chart have more frequent sex.

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The research proposes that husbands who do chores traditionally delegated to women, such as laundry and cooking, don't spend as much time in the sack as couples who divide housework based on customary gender roles. One reason the scientists offer is that a man performing a traditionally masculine task, such as applying drywall or building furniture, might be more sexually stimulating to his wife. This evidence greatly counters the idea that a helpful hubby would be rewarded in the bedroom for his efforts.

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Although this study certainly provides some food for thought, it's worth noting the data was collected 20 years ago, during a time when traditional marriage roles were the overwhelming norm. The researchers do defend, however, that their results are still relevant today. For those reluctant to ask their husbands to put down the dust pan, also keep in mind that the study didn't look at the couples' quality of sex, only frequency. Quality vs. quantity might be another fascinating study altogether.

Do you think the kind of housework your husbands does affects your sex life? Comment below!